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Cycling the Appian Way: from Venosa to Brindisi
Cycling the Appian Way is an 8-day, 7-night self-guided gravel tour from Barletta to Brindisi, following the ancient Roman road from Venosa in Basilicata across the Murgia to the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, with two demanding hill stages at the start and easier days towards the sea. Highlights include Canosa di Puglia, Horace's hometown Venosa, cliff-top Gravina in Puglia, Castellaneta in the Land of Ravines, Taranto, Oria and the Roman column that marks the end of the Appian Way in Brindisi.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Barletta
Arrive at your own pace in Barletta, the elegant Adriatic town remembered for the Challenge of Barletta, a famous tournament between Italian and French knights. Take time for the castle, the Colossus, the Palatine basilica and the town's collection of Impressionist paintings. Overnight in Barletta.
- Day 2
Barletta – Venosa
70 km · +850 m
After the bike handover and briefing you leave the Adriatic coast and ride inland through Canosa di Puglia, with its mausoleums, cathedral and castle. The day climbs steadily to the gentle hills of Venosa in Basilicata, hometown of the Roman poet Horace, where the archaeological park preserves Roman baths and an amphitheatre. Overnight in Venosa.
- Day 3
Venosa – Gravina in Puglia
67 km · +870 mFrom Venosa you set off on the Appian Way itself. After Palazzo San Gervasio you ride towards the Serra del Corvo dam on the border between Basilicata and Puglia, then reach Gravina in Puglia, perched on the edge of a ravine above an underground world of tunnels, cellars and rock-cut churches. Overnight in Gravina in Puglia.
- Day 4
Gravina in Puglia – Castellaneta
55 km · +350 m
Today you cross the wide open fields of this area, framed by the low hills of the Murgia, with a mix of surfaces that suits a gravel bike perfectly. Your destination is Castellaneta, a small town overlooking a deep ravine in the Land of Ravines. Overnight in Castellaneta.
- Day 5
Castellaneta – Taranto
40 km · +120 m
A scenic cycle path takes you to Palagianello, then on towards Palagiano through olive and citrus groves. You arrive in Taranto, the city of two seas, one of the most important colonies of Magna Graecia and a key stop on the Appian Way; its old town and seafront promenade are well worth an evening. Overnight in Taranto.
- Day 6
Taranto – Oria
47 km · +270 m
Leaving the Ionian coast, you ride east through San Giorgio Jonico and Carosino to Oria, a town that was already an important centre before the Romans. As you approach, you see its Swabian castle, built at the behest of Emperor Frederick II, towering over the medieval old town and its cathedral. Overnight in Oria.
- Day 7
Oria – Brindisi
35 km · +50 m
The last stage is short and easy. You ride through the handsome town of Mesagne and on to Brindisi on the Adriatic, where the Roman column above the harbour marks the end of the Appian Way. Thanks to its natural port, Brindisi has always been a crossroads of peoples – and a great place to celebrate with local seafood. Overnight in Brindisi.
- Day 8
Brindisi
After breakfast your tour comes to an end. Arrivederci Puglia!
Tour details
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Tour type
- Self-guided gravel tour, with navigation app
- Area
- Puglia and Basilicata
- Distance
- 314 km
- Level
- Challenging
- Departures
- Daily
- Participants
- Minimum 2
- Accommodation
- 7 nights in B&Bs or 3* hotels (Economy category) or in 4*/5* hotels (Deluxe category).
- Meals
- Breakfast every day. Lunches and dinners are not included.
- Bikes
- Gravel bike, E-bike
Prices and services
Prices per person in a double room
| Category | Low season | Mid season | High season |
|---|---|---|---|
| EconomyB&B / 3* hotel | € 1,140 | € 1,275 | € 1,475 |
| Deluxe4*/5* hotel | € 1,430 | € 1,875 | € 2,275 |
Seasons
| Season | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Low season | 7 Jan – 31 Mar · 7 Apr – 31 May · 21 Sep – 21 Dec | 7 Jan – 21 Mar · 5 Apr – 18 Apr · 3 May – 31 May · 21 Sep – 21 Dec |
| Mid season | 1 Jun – 13 Jul · 25 Aug – 20 Sep | 22 Mar – 4 Apr · 19 Apr – 2 May · 1 Jun – 12 Jul · 25 Aug – 20 Sep |
| High season | 28 Mar – 6 Apr · 14 Jul – 24 Aug · 22 Dec – 6 Jan | 13 Jul – 24 Aug · 22 Dec – 6 Jan |
Included in the price
- 7 nights' accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Gravel bike rental
- Bike equipment: rear pannier and lock (helmet and water bottle on request*)
- Repair kit: spare inner tube, pump, tyre lever
- Luggage transfers from one accommodation to the next
- Access to our navigation app with preloaded GPS tracks, roadbook and practical and tourist information
- Telephone assistance
- *Reduce waste: we encourage you to bring your own helmet and refillable water bottle. If you need them, just let us know in advance.
- Travel insurance (medical and luggage) – see the insurance information
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Airport transfers (available on request)
- Minivan support
- Tourist taxes
- Anything not listed under “What's included”
Supplements
| Single room | +30% on the base price |
| Single traveller (bookings for 1 participant only, to cover per-person logistics costs) | € 360 |
| August supplement (1–24 Aug), Economy | € 255 per person |
| August supplement (1–24 Aug), Deluxe | € 505 per person |
| E-bike rental | € 160 per bike |
Prices are per person in a double room and based on a minimum of 2 participants. Travelling solo? You are welcome: the single traveller supplement applies.
Bikes available for this tour
Gravel bike
E-bikeRoute map
Questions about this tour
How long is the tour and how much does it cost?
8 days and 7 nights, from €1,140 per person in the Economy category (B&Bs and 3* hotels, low season, double room). The Deluxe category with 4*/5* hotels starts at €1,430.
Where does the tour start and end, and how do I get there?
It starts in Barletta – the first stage takes you to Venosa, where the Appian Way section begins – and ends in Brindisi. Bari airport is the most convenient for arrival and Brindisi airport for departure; airport transfers are not included but can be arranged on request.
How difficult is it and how many kilometres will I ride?
Challenging – the hardest of our gravel routes: 314 km in 6 riding days, from 35 to 70 km a day. The first two stages climb 850–870 m each; from Taranto onwards the route is almost flat.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn are ideal, as the first stages cross the hilly inland. In 2026 low season runs 7 Jan–31 Mar, 7 Apr–31 May and 21 Sep–21 Dec; from 1 to 24 August a supplement of €255 (Economy) or €505 (Deluxe) per person applies.
Which bikes are available? Can I ride an e-bike?
Yes. A gravel bike with aluminium frame, carbon fork, disc brakes, 28" wheels and rear rack is included, and an e-bike is available for €160 – a good idea if you are not used to long climbs.
What is included in the price?
7 nights with breakfast, gravel bike with pannier, lock and repair kit, daily luggage transfers, our navigation app with GPS tracks and roadbook, luggage and medical insurance and telephone assistance.
